Oberaudorf is in Southern Bavaria on the Austrian border about 15 minutes from Kufstein, Austria. During the winter it's a ski town, but we go in the spring or fall for the hiking both on the German side of the border and in the Kaisertal in Austria. Our other motivation is visiting neighbors who live in O'dorf 6 months out of the year. This was our third stay at Tatzelwurm and each time we come away thinking that it's our favorite place in the world! OK, I'll gush - we've stayed at a couple of Mandarin Orientals, the Four Seasons in Istanbul and other zillion star hotels and Tatzelwurm stands up to them all. It is located about 15 minutes, up a mountain road, from O'dorf. There is the historic main building which houses the fabulous restaurant (now with a new addition) and two newer hotel room wings. I thing there are about 46 rooms. A series of hiking trails can be accessed directly from the hotel as well as a short walk to a waterfall. If you time it right, Rolf, the family German Shepherd, will accompany you. There is also a well equipped health club with sauna, steamroom, jacuzzi and a hokey "aroma therapy grotto." Rooms are immaculate with natural pine trim and furniture, sparkling bathrooms and balconies that overlook the rushing stream. Views are to the forest and to snow capped mountains. Non-smoking rooms are available. This is a family run hotel - the Kiesl family attend to everything. Several family members speak varying degrees of English and the rest of the staff will accomodate anything you need. An incredible breakfast buffet with omelette bar is included with you room. The restaurant is extraordinary with a traditional German menu and more continental and creative offerings. If you're looking for an off the beaten path, relaxing experience, this is definitely the place. We're looking forward to our next visit.
